American Legion seeking young members

Published: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 11:46 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 11:46 a.m.

Looking to find people to continue its mission, Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 is continuing a yearlong membership drive.

Legion representatives will be in a booth from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Red Barn Flea Market, 1707 First St. E., Bradenton. Post members staffed a similar event in June.

Membership Chairman Richard Alvarez said many of the post's World War II members, "The Greatest Generation," are gone. Simply put, many members are reaching old age, and the membership rolls are not being refilled by newer members.

"We're going to focus on veterans of more recent conflicts, such as the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, and embracing social media," Alvarez said.

He said the post is struggling with an image problem, and that has made it difficult to sell the organization to younger prospects.

Younger members are needed to pick up the gauntlet and continue Post 24's traditions going back to 1919, when the post received its charter.

When younger veterans think of the American Legion, Alvarez said, they picture the building on the corner where the old guys go to drink beer.

"We're more than that," he said.

The post's Veterans Relief Fund, for example, assists all local veterans who are in financial need. Community service groups and the women's auxiliary, all staffed by volunteers, provide a variety of services for children and families.

Membership volunteers at the Red Barn will provide information, literature and membership forms to veterans seeking American Legion membership.

The post, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, will be open to the public during November. Visitors and guests will be given tours of the legion facility from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call Alvarez at 778-1447 or (813) 215-1727.

<p>Looking to find people to continue its mission, Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 is continuing a yearlong membership drive.</p><p>Legion representatives will be in a booth from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Red Barn Flea Market, 1707 First St. E., Bradenton. Post members staffed a similar event in June.</p><p>Membership Chairman Richard Alvarez said many of the post's World War II members, "The Greatest Generation," are gone. Simply put, many members are reaching old age, and the membership rolls are not being refilled by newer members.</p><p>"We're going to focus on veterans of more recent conflicts, such as the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, and embracing social media," Alvarez said.</p><p>He said the post is struggling with an image problem, and that has made it difficult to sell the organization to younger prospects.</p><p>Younger members are needed to pick up the gauntlet and continue Post 24's traditions going back to 1919, when the post received its charter.</p><p>When younger veterans think of the American Legion, Alvarez said, they picture the building on the corner where the old guys go to drink beer.</p><p>"We're more than that," he said.</p><p>The post's Veterans Relief Fund, for example, assists all local veterans who are in financial need. Community service groups and the women's auxiliary, all staffed by volunteers, provide a variety of services for children and families.</p><p>Membership volunteers at the Red Barn will provide information, literature and membership forms to veterans seeking American Legion membership.</p><p>The post, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, will be open to the public during November. Visitors and guests will be given tours of the legion facility from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call Alvarez at 778-1447 or (813) 215-1727.</p><p>– Submitted by George Staudt</p>